Dec 16, 2012

Get Up on the Dancefloor

It is often said that I have terrible taste in music. Usually I say it, as a way of warning those attending any party with me against the impending onslaught of cheesy pop and hammy dance.

Which is why I find this so amusing:

That was recorded at the wedding reception of my dear friends Wade and Susan, by the best man, Steve, who very kindly let me repost it here. The disapproving friend is Dave, a lover of Iron Maiden, The Darkness and Manchester band James. Carly Rae Jepsen is obviously not his thing.

It was a rather big weekend of fun, as the previous night I had been out at my work Christmas party, which began in the office, but then progressed to a piano bar for much carousing.

Between the two events, I boogied so hard I was convinced I'd shed a few kilos.

(My fancy new scales, purchased to try to keep me on the straight and narrow when it comes to my eating habits, unfortunately confirmed that was not the case).

On both occasions, the soundtrack of choice was pop - chiefly from the '80s, '90s and now, as various commercial FM radio stations might have it.

A lot of people like to hate on popular music, but I honestly don't think you can deny its power to unify people in social situations.

Sure, your indie bands and folk hybrids and breathy singer-songwriters may have more "credibility", but they're not going to get people on the dancefloor.

But throw on Love Shack by the B-52s and damn, you've got yourself a shimmy-fest.

Spin the dial to American Pie, and you've got yourself an almighty sing-a-long.

And press play on Africa by Toto, and watch as the planets align, enemies become friends, and puppies vomit rainbows and diamonds into your shoes.

It can't just be me. The power of pop must reach far and wide, into all functions, parties, engagements and mixers.